Shrinky Dinks Decor

For this month's Creative Craft Blog Hop, I'm sharing how I've updated the fun and popular Shrinky Dinks plastics into fabulous items to use in home decor.

Were you a fan of shrinky dinks as a kid. I missed all of that, but now, I am truly amazed at what you can do with shrinky dinks or shrink plastics or film these days - especially in terms of creating small items for home decor. I had to go back and read up on playing working with shrink plastics. 

It seems like it's popularity is on the rise again, and in ways you won't believe! But I think it never really went away. Adults seem to like playing with it, too! Several years ago, the Shrinky Dinks company started making blank sheets of the plastic paper, opening up a door for all sorts of artists! It's mind boggling to think shrinky dinks has been used in stem cell research and in art therapy, too. Did you know that in 2014, a team from Harvard University and MIT used Shrinky Dinks to create self-assembling robots? How cool does that sound!  
I thought it would be so cool to make napkin rings or a small dish - just by printing out a design on inkjet plastic sheets and then heating it to shrink to the perfect size. That sounds so easy, doesn't it!

You can transform any image or make your own into a hardened piece of plastic creating unusual items. I had fun making designs for napkin rings, including the actual rings to hold the napkins. Plain napkin rings can be unbelievably expensive. But making you own can really come in handy for home tablescapes, celebrations and gift giving! Plus creating an adorable small floral dish that can be used for jewelry and what-nots, how could I resist?

Disclosure I am a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites, this post may contain links. I may receive a very small commission at no cost to you! The affiliate money I earn helps pay my crafting expenses. Thanks so much for your support!

Materials Used:

• Shrink Film for Inkjet Printers (clear)
• Designs (online or make your own)                                                                                      Inkjet Printer
• Scissors
• Oven (regular/toaster)
• Baking Pan
• Parchment Paper
• Glass (opening)/oven mitts
• Paper Trimmer
• Rolling pin/tube
• DAP RapidFuse (quick grab multi-purpose glue) 

Let's begin by finding a free design online that you like. Keep in mind that the colors will deepen when heated. Next, copy and enlarge the design to fill the entire page of printer paper. The finished piece with be 20-30% of the original size so allow for shrinkage. Then print out on clear inkjet shrink film .  .  .

 using an inkjet printer. Allow the ink to dry before picking it up.

Next, cut out the shape before baking. Try to make sure you round off the edges - you don't want to have any sharp edges for the finish piece.

Following the directions for the shrink film, preheat the oven 300-350F.  Place a sheet of parchment paper on a baking pan and then place the cut-out design in the center of the sheet. 

Place another sheet of parchment paper on top of the design to help keep the plastic from curling or sticking to itself.

Bake for about 2-3 minutes. If you do find your design curling anyway, you can continue heating or re-heat and it will flatten out. Ask me how I know this.

Once the design has shrunk, quickly remove it from between the parchment paper using an oven mitt and .  .  .

place the plastic on top of a glass opening .  .  . 

pushing it down to give it a bit of a curved shape.  

How awesome does this look?

To make the ring, cut a two inch strip from the 11" length side of the shrink film using a paper trimmer. Round off the end edges using a water bottle cap.

Bake the plastic strip in-between parchment paper, as before, for 1-3 minutes. Remove wearing oven mitts and immediately wrap the plastic around a small round object like a dollar store rolling pin. It's the perfect diameter for napkin rings.

I can think of so many ways just to use plain napkin rings like this!

Attach the napkin ring to the back of the design using a permanent quick grab and drying glue like RapidFuse.

I found a pretty purple flower design online to make a small dish for my bathroom. Following the same directions, as before.

How pretty is this!

Perfect to hold my ring or what-nots!

Welcome to our monthly Creative Craft Blog Hop created by Chloe @ Celebrate & Decorate and Andrea @ Design Morsels!  I've teamed up with a talented group of creative bloggers to bring you lots of wonderful ideas and inspirations! 

If you're coming over from my blogging friend, Chas @Chas' Crazy Creations sharing her fabulous tutorials on what to do with plastic pumpkins, WELCOME!

After reading mine, up next would be Andrea @Designs Morsels with her awesome tutorial on making Felt Ornaments!

Have fun and get inspired by all of the wonderful creations this month by clicking on the links below!

Celebrate & Decorate - Minnie Mouse Halloween Swag

Birdz of a Feather - Milk Can Decor

At Home Withe Jemma - Fresh Handmade Holiday Magnolia Wreath

Debbees Buzz - Thanksgiving Bread Cornucopia

B4 And Afters - White Pumpkin Centerpiece

The Painted Apron - Fall Signs and Spoon Faces

My Hubbard Home - Dollar Store Glitter Candles

Chas' Crazy Creations - What To Do with Plastic Pumpkins

Purple Hues and Me - Shrinky Dinks Decor

Design Morsels - DIY Felt Ornaments

Home Is Where The Boat Is - DIY Thanksgiving Cone-ucopias

Decorate and More with Tip - Bohemian Tassel Christmas Tree Plaque

BlueSky At Home - Fun Thanksgiving DIY Wood Block Decoration

Zucchini Sisters - DIY Painted Placemats with a Fork Motif

My Family Thyme - Christmas Ornament Reverse Canvas